I think a lot about certain feelings that I like. Namely, whenever I'm not feeling those feelings.

There's this particular kind of contentedness that I've been chasing for as long as I can remember, and I see it so clearly in my head, and I can almost feel it lingering on the edges of my fingertips, but it just isn't there most of the time.

It's that feeling you get when you think about your favorite memories—childhood moments, that fleeting Christmas magic, time spent with the people you love—when you think about feeling happy and free in this way that permeates your entire being and makes your chest feel simultaneously warm and fluttery.

It seems harder to feel that way as you get older. It comes occasionally, springing up out of nowhere and leaving with quickness that almost gives you whiplash, and then you're grey again.

It got me thinking about whether there was a word for the feeling, and luck of all lucks, I stumbled on the closest thing I could hope to find. But, then I started thinking about all of the other wonderful things I love, and whether they had been encapsulated into a word.

(Hello, and thank you, Google.)

These are twelve of my favorite things & feelings, in a word.


1.) PETRICHOR - a pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather.

2.) SONDER - the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.

3.) ETHEREAL - extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world.

4.) ARTICULATE - having or showing the ability to speak fluently and coherently.

5.) AMELIORATE - to improve upon.

6.) CATHARTIC - providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions.

7.) LILT - a characteristic rising and falling of the voice when speaking; a pleasant gentle accent.

8.) ZEPHYR - a soft, gentle breeze.

9.) SERENDIPITY - fortunate happenstance.

10.) HALCYON - happy, sunny, carefree.

11.) HIRAETH - homesickness for a home you can't return to, or a home that never was.

12.) INEFFABLE - too great to be expressed in words.

What are some of your favorite feelings, or words? Or both? Another fun word: Logophile - a lover of words. So let's get sharing some neat feelings and words!

It's such a simple, easy thing to fix up. I just wash a cucumber, peel it, and slice it. Mix up some tuna salad, however you like to make it, and then scoop it onto the cucumber slices like you would crackers. Also, a lil tomato on top is a nice addition.

CARROTS AND HUMMUS


Confession: I actually hate raw carrots. The texture of them is just... Ugh. But for whatever reason, as long as I have some sort of dip for them, I don't mind. Ranch is usual my weapon of choice, but I've been really into hummus lately.

BANANA ICE CREAM



....Or "nicecream," as it's been affectionately dubbed. I LOVE this stuff. It's so perfect for those days that are so hot you don't even feel like moving. Cool, creamy, and completely customizable. Or, alternatively, add more liquid and make it a smoothie!

GRANOLA BARS


FRUIT SALAD


I never used to be much of a fruit salad person, but my grandma loves it and has made it a few times recently, and I find that I'm much more fond of it now that I'm older. It's great because you can mix whatever kinds of fruit you like best together, and it makes a cold and delightful treat.

What are your favorite summer snacks?? Tell me 'bout 'em!